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Tracking around the globe

Tropical Storm Ana caused widespread flooding, severe damage to infrastructure and disruption of essential services in Mozambique. (Source: UN Mozambique via Twitter @ONUMocambique)

Here’s what we’re watching the week of Jan. 31, 2022.

New or emerging disasters

Tropical Storm Ana: Several countries across Africa’s South East have been hit hard by Tropical Storm Ana, leaving at least 91 people dead. Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe experienced significant flooding because of the storm’s heavy rains. Ana first made landfall on Jan. 22 in Madagascar following days of intense rainfall that had already left the ground sodden and rivers full. The country declared a state of emergency on Jan. 27 and reported 51 deaths related to Ana due to flooding, landslides or building collapses as of Jan. 29.

By Jan. 24, Ana had moved across the Mozambique Channel into the country of Mozambique, where it killed another 20 people before heading towards Malawi where it killed 20 more.

In Malawi, the storm affected more than 90,000 households because of flooding or the strong winds that knocked out power to large portions of the country. Local and international officials called for action on climate change, noting that countries in the area do not contribute much to climate change but suffer disproportionate impacts because of the increasing frequency and severity of storms.

Earthquake – Haiti: Just days after the 12th anniversary of the deadly 2010 earthquake, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck Haiti. The country also experienced a series of aftershocks, including ones measured at magnitude 5.1 and magnitude 4.4. Although the damage was relatively minor, at least two people died. The affected area was hit by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in August 2021 and a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in 2010.

Caribbean migrants: This past week was particularly deadly for migrants trying to reach the United States by boat from countries in the Caribbean. On Jan. 26, the U.S. Coast Guard struggled with ocean currents to find 38 people who were missing after a boat capsized between the Bahamas and Florida. One body was recovered, and one survivor was rescued from the overturned boat. On Jan. 28, a boat from the Dominican Republic capsized near the northwest coast of Puerto Rico, and while U.S. federal officials detained 17 people, another 10 were still missing after the boat struck a rock and capsized.

Flooding – Multiple countries

Colombia: Heavy rain through the beginning of the week caused at least two deaths when a landslide destroyed a house in the town of Palocabildo. In addition, there was damage to several roads, and the gas supply to the whole town was disrupted. Uganda: Heavy rain on Jan. 24 sent water, mud and debris cascading down the slopes of Mount Muhavura in Uganda’s Kisoro district. Although the number of people missing has yet to be determined, at least nine bodies had been recovered as of Jan. 25 as officials and volunteers continued to search for missing people. Previous/Ongoing Disasters Volcanic eruption – Tonga: Aid continues to pour into Tonga after the devastating eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’Apri Volcano two weeks ago. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is reporting that deliveries of drinking water are reaching areas across the many islands that make up the nation. Meanwhile, an Australian ship that saw two dozen crew members test positive for COVID-19 was able to make a contactless delivery of aid. The coronavirus pandemic is a major concern for the isolated island nation, which has only reported a single case of COVID-19 while 61% of its residents are fully vaccinated.

For complete details, including information on how you can help, please see our Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’Api Volcano Eruption Profile.